Ft Lauderdale - close to airport
 

We will be staying for two nights in FLL prior to flying to Tortola. We are not familiar with FLL but would like to wander around beach area, Los Olas Blvd and have a few nice lunches/dinners. We are looking for someplace close to the airport but not over$200 per night.
Any suggestions? Thank you

What time of year? Weekend or midweek? Are you renting a car?

If you are there for two nights you don't really need to limit your stay to near the airport, as there are plenty of place a short drive or cab-ride to FLL.

Thanks milemarker - I was thinking if we got a place close to that blvd. and beach area, that we wouldn't rent a car. We are going in March so I don't know if it's even beach or pool weather!

Oh, it'll most likely be beach and pool weather ;)

The area of Las Olas Blvd. that has the most restaurants and stuff at night is not right on the beach... but nothing you're naming is very far (beach, Las Olas, airport). You can take taxis all around. If you chose to stay near the beach, it's an easy cab ride to/from Las Olas or airport. While Las Olas actually intersects with the main street of the beach (A1A), the part of Las Olas you'll want to visit isn't right there.

March can be a little cool, so the beach might be out. But Las Olas Blvd is a great place to hand out and walk.

Your going to need a car, Ft Lauderdale (and the rest of S Fla for that matter) is real spread out.

There are tons of Hotels right on Ft Lauderdale Beach, that are not to far from Las Olas.

If your not renting a car, you could look into the new Hilton on the beach. They sometimes have specials for $199/nt. They are studio rooms (small kitchenette), and it is a very nice property.The parking there is like $30/nt.,which is really ridiculous.
The Marriott Courtyard has just undergone renovations and I hear is a decent place to stay if you want to pay less.
Another good option for you would be the Ft. Lauderdale Grande(a Hilton Hotel) which is located on 17th st(The st. between the airport and the beach), and is on the intracoastal waterway. They have just undergone renovations as well. The great thing about that location is you can get the water taxi right there, which will take you to the Las Olas/beach area as well as to many restaurants.Their prices are usually reasonable, and they run many specials throughout the year.
www.ftlauderdalegrande.com

There is an Embassy Suites (Hilton property) that might work, located on SE 17th Street. One time we took their shuttle for the short drive, from airport to hotel; next time a taxi ($12.00)